Show-Me State Times

Legislation has been introduced in St. Louis aiming to direct substantial investments into underfunded neighborhoods and Downtown areas. The bill, spearheaded by Alderwoman Pam Boyd and supported by Alderpeople Laura Keys, Tom Oldenburg, and Cara Spencer, proposes allocating $132.5 million to neglected neighborhoods identified in the City's Economic Justice Action Plan, along with $100 million for Downtown infrastructure.

Greater St. Louis, Inc., a local business group, has urged swift approval of the bill. Jason Hall, CEO of Greater St. Louis, Inc., praised the initiative: "We applaud the leadership of Alderwoman Boyd and her co-sponsors... which will bring much-needed and long-overdue investment to disinvested neighborhoods and Downtown St. Louis."

A 2022 study commissioned by Greater St. Louis found that although Downtown contributes significantly to the city's revenue and employment, it receives a small fraction of citywide expenditures. Hall emphasized the importance of investing settlement funds from the Rams case into Downtown projects: "The best long-term investment we can make in St. Louis is to strengthen the endowment that is Downtown."

The legislation aligns with criteria set by Mayor Tishaura Jones's Economic Justice Action Plan. Alderman Keys stated: "We must use this money to make the Economic Justice Action Plan real, not just a plan."

The proposed funding breakdown includes $107.5 million for infrastructure projects across targeted areas; $85 million for rehabilitating high-impact zones; $25 million for housing improvements; and $15 million to support small businesses.

Tony Wyche serves as the media contact for further inquiries regarding this legislative proposal.